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Recap: Triangle Shawl Stitch.Rock.Knit-along!

April 23, 2012 by Vickie Howell

KAL Prep
Literary Ladybug’s,  Jessica Kline’s and Chai Mama’s supplies ready to go!

Last week we wrapped up (har, har, har) the triangle shawl Stitch.Rock.Knit-along, and at the risk of being redundant I’d just like to say again how much I dig these virtual get-togethers! As a working mom of three kids, getting to hang out with fellow knitters working on a common goal — but on my own time and without leaving home — is a win-win. Hope you think so, too!

For those of you who weren’t able to make this one, here’s a recap of events.

First up, an explanation of the anatomy of a center-out shawl. Traditionally, a triangle is achieved by increasing one stitch at each end (every other row) so that the flat, top of the shawl “grows” on your needles as your work. In other words, you knit from the bottom point of the shawl outward (chart 1.1).
1.1 Anatomy of Bottom-up Triangle Shawl

For the “Shawl We Wrap”, we’ll be using the top-center out method (chart 1.2). This means that we cast on the first few stitches of the straight part of the wrap that will ultimately be worn near the back of your neck, and then work outward. To do this, you not only use the increases at both edges as you would with the bottom-up method, but you ALSO use two increases at the center. You’ll essentially be creating two triangles at a time, that will make up one, larger triangle. This means the the the “live” stitches on your needle are the bottom, angled edges. Cool, eh? Most lace shawl patterns that you see today, use this method. one of the things that makes this nice, is that if you’re knitting your edging you won’t have to pick up stitches. They’ll already on your needle!

1.2 Anatomy of a Center-out Triangle Shawl
Next, it was time to cast-on and get knitting! The great thing about a project like this is that you can see it taking shape almost immediately.
My mom, Libby’s first several rows.
A few days in, knitters were jammin’ along. I especially like how some people started experimenting with stripes!
Progress
Progress!

Clockwise: WIPs by Jessica Kline, Karen Ramisch, EvaporateDone & Susan Rodenhahn

For most of us unless we happen to be on vacation with dedicated knitting time, 7 days isn’t really enough to finish an entire shawl. Some superstar stitchers however, met the challenge! The last few days of the Stitch.Rock.Knit-along were spent chatting about edging options. We provided 3 different choices for this project, all of which came out of Vogue Knitting’s Stitchtionary 6. If you’re feeling math-y though, you could adapt this pattern to finish of with an entirely different edging of your choice.

Since most people tackling this shawl likely already know how to knit, I chose to demo the crocheted edging. I’m a huge fan of crocheted fishnet–the Helena top from my book, Pop Goes Crochetwas created almost exclusively with a variation of this stitch — because it gives a lacy look and a lot of mileage with relative ease.


For stitchers choosing one of the two knitted edging options, here’s a how-to video for the bind-off method used for both. Even if you don’t plan on making the Shawl We wrap, check out this bind-off anyway. It’s one of my faves for adding a little extra detailing, especially on delicate or kids garments.
As our week together came to an end, I was thrilled to see photos of participants finished shawls– makes mama proud!
Kim White’s Magenta(ish) Shawl with Fishnet edging.




FOs!
L-R: Mama Karen,  Maria Kegel, and Julie Bauer’s

 

NJ Knitter’s FO (front & back) with Picot Dot edging and Picot Bind-off.

 

My daughter, Clover feeling Sheep(ish) in our finished wrap.

Even though we’re no longer officially knitting-along for this project, the Ravelry thread and Facebook page will stay live with information and support. Please feel free to read posts at your leisure, ask questions of the group and most of all, share pictures of your projects!

The Shawl We pattern can be found in the Spring ’12 issue of Knit Simple Magazine on stands now, then available to purchase from the archives section of the Knit Simple website after that.

If you want to subscribe to the mag for future Stitch.Rock.Knit-alongs, you can do that here. To order Sheep(ish) yarn ahead of time, go here.

Stay tuned for the cabled beanie Stitch.Rock.Knit-along which will start on July 31!

xx,
Vickie

Psst! Don’t forget to visit me on Facebook!

Posted in Knitting, Vickie Howell | Tagged , , | 4 Comments »

Knit Simple’s Stitch.Rock.Knit-along: Triangle Shawl!

April 2, 2012 by Vickie Howell

Join me next week on Facebook and Ravelry for the first official, Knit Simple Stitch.Rock.Knit-along! This time around we’ll be making the triangle shawl from my column in the Spring ’12 issue. 

If you’ve never knitted a shawl from the center neck out, this is a great project to learn the technique on. We’ll be using basic garter stitch for the “body”, along with yarn-overs to increase stitches and also push the shaping out. Once that’s finished, you’ll have the choice between 3 different edgings that range in difficulty levels. I’ll be there every step of the way to help!

To join, just “Like” the Facebook page or post on either the wall or Rav group that, “you’re in!”As you start gathering supplies, please snap a shot with your phone and share the pics at either the virtual venues. We’ll cast-on on April 10th!



Hope to see you there!

xx,
Vickie

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Bunny Plushie for Easter!

March 28, 2012 by Vickie Howell

Candy Bunny

Looking for a last-minute, Easter basket gift to make for your sweeties? Well then, try the Candy Bunny pattern. Cute, cuddly, and can be crocheted in just a couple of evenings. Hoppy Spring!

Materials

1 Ball Vickie Howell for Caron Sheep (ish) (30% wool/70% acrylic; 167 yds/ 153 m), in color: #0007 Hot Pink(ish) 
Size US H/8 hook
Tapestry needle 
Scrap of contrasting yarn for embroidery 
Stuffing Silk ribbon (optional)

Finished Measurement
11”/28 cm

Gauge
14sts x18rows= 4”/10cm

Directions (Make 2)
Body: Ch 10.
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook, and in each ch to end. Turn. (9 sts)

Row 2: Ch 1 (counts as 1st sc), sc to last st, 2sc in last st. Turn. (11 sts)

Rows 3-4: Repeat Row 2. Turn. (15 sts)

Rows 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22 & 24: Ch 1, sc in next st and in each st to end. Turn.

Row 7: Repeat Row 2. (17 sts)

Row 9: Repeat Row 2. (19 sts) 

Row 11: Repeat Row 2. (21 sts) 

Row 16: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc to last 3 sts, sc2tog, sc. Turn. (19 sts) 

Row 18: Repeat Row 16. (17 sts) 

Row 21: Repeat Row 16. (15 sts) 

Row 23: Repeat Row 16. (13 sts)

Head: 
Row 1: Ch 1, sc to last st, 2 sc in last st. Turn. (15 sts)

Row 2: Repeat Row 1. (17 sts) 

Rows 3, 6, 11-13 : Ch 1, sc in next st and in each st to end. Turn. 

Rows 4-5: Repeat Row 1. (21sts) 

Row 7: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc to last 3 sts, sc2tog, sc in last st. Turn. (19 sts) 

Rows 8-10: Repeat Row 7. (13 sts)

Right ear: 
Row 1: Ch 1, sc in next 5 sts. Turn. (6 sts)

Rows 2-3 (short rows): Ch 1, sc in next 2 sts. Turn. (3 sts.)

Row 4: Ch 1, sc in next 2 sts then CONTINUE sc in the last 3 sts (from two rows down). Turn. (6 sts)

Rows 5-11: Ch 1, sc in next st and to end. (6 sts) 

Row 12: Ch 1, [sc2tog] twice, sc in last sc. Turn. (4 sts) 

Row 13: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc in last st. (3 sts). 

Fasten off.

Left ear: 
Flip piece over; join yarn with sl st in turning ch at the top edge of the WS. Work as for right ear.

Finishing
Using tapestry needle, contrasting yarn and photo as a guide, embroider eyes and nose with satin stitch onto front piece.

With WS facing, place two pieces together. Join yarn with sl st and sc evenly around, leaving an opening to stuff. Firmly stuff; continue sc around to close. Join with sl st to first sc. 

Fasten off.

Weave in ends. Tie ribbon around neck.



Looking for a printable version of this pattern?  Download now for free from my Ravelry Shop!

Posted in Crochet, Vickie Howell | 3 Comments »

Stitch.Rock.Crochet-along Photo Recap!

March 27, 2012 by Vickie Howell

L-R Noelle Corcoran (via FB), “Low Budget” (via Ravelry), “Mama Karen” (via Ravelry), “Mehere7″ (via Ravelry),  ”Art Like Bread” (via Ravelry)
Last weekend was the first, Stitch.Rock.Crochet-along in what I plan on being a series. The project, a quick one that’s perfect for the season: Springtime Scarf. I really enjoyed seeing everyone’s progression, as well as getting to feel like I still get to be a part of events, even with a career and 3 kids at home — I love the internet!
Thanks to all who participated, and especially those who asked questions, offered comments, and shared pictures. Without further ado, here’s a photo re-cap of the CAL!
Prepping
My creation
A few of the participants’ supplies ready to go!
Pre-CAL Chat
“I’m excited to do a knit [sic] along! Plus I’ve never had a springtime scarf so this should be fun!”–tltyog (via Rav)
“I’m in & I’m a newbie to crochet! A knitter to date!”–Penny Eaton (via FB)

“I’m in! This scarf looks FUN!”– Julia Painter (via FB)

Beginnings

My creation
“Chaining on!” (New term I’m trying to make big with the kids. ;-) )


Middles

My creation
A few shots of crochet-alongers’ WIPs.



CAL Chat
“First row ♥”– Angela Rae (via FB)

“Just getting started, also HAD to use something from the stash, Bernat Softee baby & a G hook, my girlfriends: “The Crochet Babes” are coming over tomorrow & we’re going to CAL with Vickie’s CAL!”– Roberta Thome (via FB)

“Stopped off at JoAnn’s last night and my son picked out two colors for me to choose from (Grey-ish and Camel-ish). I can’t decide which I like better, so I guess I have to do two scarves! I’ll “chain on” tonight and try to keep up through the weekend.”– Mama Karen (via Rav)

“…digging this pattern, Thanks for this CAL Vickie!” – Mehere7 (via Rav)

“Thank you for a beautiful, easy, and fun pattern, Vickie!” — Art Like Bread (via Rav)

“Have made 4 scarves in the last two days. Made the last one while I was under the hair dryer.” –Rosetta Williams (via FB)

Ends

My creation
More FOs!
DSCF3654_medium
“Ava’s Aunt Renee” (via Ravelry)
My creation
L-R: Candyce Lucas’ (via FB), Margot Potter’s (via FB), “Memaw9″ (via Ravelry), & “Camellia 3 (via Ravelry)
Cathy Boha FB
Cathy Boha’s Scarves (via Facebook)
Didn’t make it for the the CAL, but still want to make the scarf? No problem! The threads (including Q&A and how-to photos) will remain up on both Facebook and Ravelry, and you can nab the pattern here.
Got project ideas for a future Stitch.Rock.Crochet-along? Post ‘em in the comments section!
Stitch.Rock.Love,
Vickie
P.S. Don’t forget to join my on my regular Facebook page, Twitter & Pinterest!

Posted in Crochet, Vickie Howell | Tagged , | 1 Comment »

Pop Trend Color: Bright Pink + CAL

March 20, 2012 by Vickie Howell

Bright pink is one of those rare colors that depending on how it’s used can be either girlie and goodie-goodie, or totally punk rock. I love it for that!  It also happens to be one of the pop colors trending right now, and thusly deserves a round-up. Here are just a few, great pieces in the palette. You can keep up to date with more blushing finds though, on my Pop Color Trend: Bright Pink Pinterest board.

In my daily life, I tend to wear a lot of black and grey. Although I love color, I’m really more comfortable wearing little bursts of it against darker shades than I am in head to toe brightness. With my latest design, the Springtime Scarf I can do just that. Crocheted in in Sheep(ish) color, Hot Pink(ish), this simple neck pieces adds a bit of trend-happy pink to any ol’ outfit.

Sheep(ish): Hot Pink(ish)

Join me on Facebook or Ravelry this Thursday for a Stitch.Rock.Crochet-along to make this project for yourself. It’s quick, simple and dare I say, a little bit sassy?

Get the Springtime Scarf pattern here: download now.

Also check out these other Caron yarns in bright pink:

Simply Soft: Watermelon

Simply Soft Light: Bubble Gum

NaturallyCaron.com: Rosalinda

Hope to crochet-along with you soon!

xx,

Vickie

Posted in Crochet, Vickie Howell | 7 Comments »

Handmade for the Home

March 16, 2012 by Vickie Howell

Sometimes thinking about how to create handmade items and incorporate them into the home can be a bit overwhelming. After all, not everyone has time to knit cotton rugs for all of the bathrooms, or crochet an afghan to drape over the couch. Still though, DIY decor items bring a personalized warmth to any dwelling. So what’s a busy stitcher to do? My advice: think small. Small project, that is.

Simple accessories that take less than a weekend to make are the perfect components for the home, no matter what your style. Coordinating throw pillows, crochet-embellished bowls, and wash cloths are all great examples of small touches of stitched style. If you want to pack a little more punch with your projects though, I suggest choosing a pop color and creating a small piece for an unexpected place. To show you what I mean, I thought I’d share a picture of my own kitchen (see above.)

On the table is a plain, vase from Ikea that I created a chevron-patterned vase sleeve for out of Sheep(ish) colors: Yellow(ish), Chartreuse(ish) and Coral(ish). The sleeve comes off so I can still wash the glass, or switch it out for another sleeve in different colors should I want to.

Hanging above the table is a plain ol’, white drum lamp that I be-cozied using the same coral color from the vase. To do this, I just knit a long, garter stitch piece on oversized needles. Then, I stretched the piece around the lamp — hot gluing along the outer edges as I went — and seamed up the back. It was so easy, and really broke up the over-whelming amount of white in that room. Oh, and for you sew-ers out there, the valances are made by cutting rectangles of fabric, hemming the edges, and creating a rod pocket at the top. Easy peasy!

I’d love to know what items you’re making for your own home. Share ‘em here, if you please!

Have a creative weekend!

xx,

Vickie

Posted in Crochet, Knitting, Vickie Howell | 1 Comment »

Stitch.Rock.Crochet-along: Springtime Scarf!

March 12, 2012 by Vickie Howell

Springtime Scarf
Just because warmer weather is on the horizon doesn’t mean it’s time to pack up your crochet supplies. No way, man! Working on light and open pieces will keep you happily hooking throughout the hotter months. To kick off the season, I designed the Springtime Scarf – a Sheep(ish), 1-ball project that’ll bring some pop to wardrobe and add a “Spring” to your step!
Get printable pattern pdf here OR on Ravelry.
Feel like hanging out? Hows about a weekender crochet-along for this project? The Springtime Scarf will be the 1st of 2012′s Stitch.Rock.Crochet-alongs! Pick your pleasure and join me on either Facebook or Ravelry. On Facebook, you just need to “Like” the new, Stitch.Rock.Crochet-along page, then post an, “I’m in!” On Ravelry, go to the usual Stitch.Rock.Love group, where I’ve started a new thread.
We’ll official start next Thursday, 3/22 and run through Sunday 3/25. In the meantime, go out and nab a ball of Sheep(ish) or other, worsted-weight yarn and a Size I (5.5 mm) hook. Feel free to upload a photo of your supplies to get the party started!
Looking forward to crocheting-along with you!
xx,
Vickie
Psst…pass it on!

Posted in Crochet, Vickie Howell | Tagged , , , , , , | 7 Comments »

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